Hi, I'm Daphne and I just completed my 2nd year at UNC Chapel Hill. I'm currently working on a Ph.D in Education within the Educational Psychology, Measurement, and Evaluation strand. I've been a member of SparkPeople since September 2009. From September 2009 - mid-2010, I was able to lose ~60 pounds and maintained that weight until I entered my Ph.D program in August 2012. In the past 2 years, I've gained about 25 pounds as result of being sedentary (sitting in 3 hours classes, sitting around reading, sitting around writing) and mindless eating (snacking while I read and study). During this time, I've also dealt with a few health problems, the deaths of several family members, including my grandma with whom I was extremely close, and just being stressed in general -- being a broke college student again at 30! So I'm giving SparkPeople another try and decided to join this group, in hopes to see how others in a similar situation are dealing with the struggle!

My name is Megan. I'm a full time DNP student at UW-Madison. I have two children, ages 2 and 3. A husband, and a lovely home in the country, complete with chickens, a dog, and a cat. In my free time (haha) I enjoy being active, hiking/biking/canoeing etc. I try to make time daily to exercise, I run, do yoga, lift weights, hiit, nothing regularly...

My main problem is diet. More specifically, portion control. I love healthy food, but I also love to eat. Especially when I am stressed... That combined with difficulty "finding time" (really, finding energy) to exercise is a recipe for disaster.

I'm at a healthy weight now, 5'2" 135ish, I wouldn't mind losing a few pounds, but my main priority is to be more active.

What I'd like from you-Support! Cheer me on when I complete work outs. I just started the BodyRock "Catching Fire" 30 day challenge. I've completed 6 days, with only 12 minute(ish) workouts, I should be able to follow through. But it would really help me to be accountable to someone (you).

So, Thank you in advance for your support, let me know how I can help you, and let's rock grad school and life!

Hi all! My name is Vanessa and I'm a first year Master of Social Work student. Last semester I found it kind of difficult to balance my (new) marriage, studies, and a serious workout routine. Feeling committed to making it happen this semester!

Hi everyone! I'm Patti - I'm a second-year Masters student at Cornell, looking at a May graduation date. I'm trying to get into a healthy routine now before the semester starts, because with a full class load and TA'ing, I don't see any free time coming up once the semester starts.

"Life is like a Sewer. What you get out of it depends on what you put into it." -Hen3ry

I am a second year in a Social Psychology PhD program, although I came in having already earned my master's degree. Yes, I totally agree that grad school is pathological! You either have to compromise your health and happiness, or not finish on time. And research shows we only have so much willpower to go around, so when all of that goes to getting work done, we feel too drained to work toward our other goals! I'm relieved to know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Anyway, I lost 10 lb last year with Sparkpeople and then fell off the wagon. I'm trying to get back on again just in time to hopefully weather the holidays without too much weight gain. Great to meet you all and I hope we can keep in touch.

Hi! I'm Kimberly. I'm in a master's program studying history of American religion. This is my first semester, and I am still getting used to the jump from undergrad to grad level work. It is getting better though. However, I am really struggling with stress eating and lack of motivation. I was hoping I could find some support here on Spark People.

Hi! I'm Alice, and I just started my Master's program for Library and Information Science with a specialization in youth services. I've been on and off the wagon (mostly off) and decided that if I have enough motivation and gumption to get to graduate school, I can sure as hell get my body into shape. I'm going to take each moment as a new chance to get things right.

To change your life, you need to change your priorities. Every morning you wake up, you have another chance to get it right.

Like many people in this forum, I've been a member on SP for a while -- I did really well in 2010, and finally got to the body I wanted. Then, like so many, I stopped. I forgot that I had to continue to maintain this body.

And then grad school amped things up a bit. I *just* finished my dissertation this month (I'm at Harvard, in the History of Science PhD program) and I'm trying to re-establish a routine for healthy living now that I don't have to focus every second of every day on my dissertation.

I sometimes wonder if grad school is a little pathological -- in order to be successful, you have to compromise a lot of things in your life, including taking care of yourself. Those that do find balance are happy, but they don't finish their program on time. What do you think?

Anyway, that was a rather lengthy intro to say "hey guys, I'm back on the wagon!"

After many changes, I am finally back here to get started again with SP. I have found it difficult to focus on things other than school and school funding issues. I am finally nearing the end of my scholastic journey with my end date likely to be November 2014. I have much work for toning and reshaping my body and perspective on health. For the bulk of my graduate journey everything has taken an extreme back seat including family and just living life. For the past 4 years I have been too wound up with school. Now that I have only a year left I can see the neglect everywhere and I am looking to honor my life along with my academics. For now my big commitment is to myself on sleeping,eating regularly, and moving to increase my metabolism! I will try to get here at least once a week, but we will see. In the Mean time success to everyone as the fall quarters and semester approach. After my 2 quarter hiatus from school I am totally ready and rejuvenated for study! Essentially after the this and the next quarter my attention will be completely on research and the dissertation--I am soooooo excited! Oh some other info:

I am 50, single w/2 dogs, completing a doctorate in educational psychology, but seeking post doctorate internship to gain licensure in my state.

Just joined this team. I am finishing my first year of graduate school. Never thought I would be able to say that! LOL. My degree will be in Community Mental Health Counseling. It has been really tough but also rewarding. Looking forward to the support and encouragement that this team has to offer.

Hello, name's Adam. I'm currently working on a doctoral program in the sciences, and I'm here because apparently I've got the willpower to get through graduate school, but not to drop my pants size a significant amount.

Hi there! I just joined the group. I've been a member of Sparkpeople for several years, have joined a bunch of teams and then kind of watched them go silent. I was really hoping to find a team for grad school students as I am starting my Masters program this Fall, but I guess everyone is too busy with school! LOL I am really scared about gaining weight when the stress starts again- but hopefully I have some good habits established. I log into Sparkpeople most days, track my food and exercise, etc. most days, but I really need to work on reaching out more for support- because that is what seems to be missing for me. Reading the success stories, it seems everyone mentions that as something that helped keep them on track. SO here I am :) Nice to meet you!

"Nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels"

"Those who want to succeed will surely find a way~ and those who don't will surely find an excuse"

Hi guys, I'm Lila! I'm in my next-to-last semester for my MH degree (double concentration-- Communications and Creative Writing). I've gone full time each semester, not taking any breaks, and mannnnn is it stressful. Doesn't really give me much time (or motivation) to exercise! I love school, but as soon as I defend my thesis this winter, I'm taking a break for a couple semesters before diving back in :)

Hi everyone! I'm Kenzie, and I'm a grad student always working to maintain a healthy balance between school, fitness, and... FOOD! I'm looking to get back to the balanced mindset I always seem to have at the beginning of the term that I always lose about three weeks in.

If anyone's looking for an accountabilibuddy, count me in!

Just take five minutes to regroup, and don't ever forget to make time for what makes you happy.

Hi all! I just joined SP today, with a goal of losing twenty pounds in the next 6 months in anticipation of my 10th anniversary. I plan to do this while finishing my dissertation in philosophy. Hopefully the graduation and anniversary photos taken in this Fall will be flattering rather than embarrassing. :)

Hi everyone! I'm Lillian, a 4th-year grad student working toward a PhD in Statistics. I've struggled with weight since high school and dealing with the stress of being in school for what's seemed like forever hasn't helped. Last year I was able to make some progress toward my weight-loss goals, finishing the year 40lbs lighter than I had started, but I've strayed off-course the past few months. Hopefully this time I'll be able to stick to being healthy and shed those final lbs standing in between me and my goal.

HI everyone! I'm Katie, I am a master's student at Michigan State University. I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. Since starting college, I think I've gained nearly 30 pounds and I'm tired of being overweight. I try eating healthy and working out, but I always become so disappointed and give up. I want to live a more healthy, active lifestyle, but I struggle keeping it up and finding the motivation to work out after a long day in school/practicum/studying/everything else. I would love to have someone to be a motivational support partner for me on this journey... if you'd like the same, please contact me!

I've been going part-time the last two semesters, taking just one class at a time, but am planning to go full-time this semester with three courses. I am also in the process of launching my own company and have two part-time jobs, so it's going to be a lot. But I'm looking forward to it!

Edited by: CRABADA at: 1/3/2013 (02:39)

Courtney

β At the moment of commitment, the universe conspires to assist you.

β I believe that when the body is strong, the mind thinks strong thoughts.... Once the mind and body have been awakened to their true potential, it's impossible to turn back. ~ Henry Rollins

Hi everybody! My name is Kaelyn, and I'm a Masters student in Library and Information Science, set to graduate in June. Holy cow, I can hardly believe it. This is my second try at SparkPeople and I'm hoping to stick with it long enough to meet my weight loss goal.

Hi all. I joined this team a year or so ago. But I've been horribly inactive on SP. I'm trying to renew my commitment to this program and am hoping to find some like-minds in this particular group. I'm pursuing my Master of Science in Strategic Leadership and am due to graduate in May, 2013. I have a B.S. in sociology and human services. I love learning and plan to pursue a PhD. When I due, I'll migrate back into the social sciences as I'm finding that my current program is just a stepping stone to further education for me.

Anyway, it's nice to be back. I hope to meet some fellow academics on their journey to better health.

Hello all! My name is Kris, and I am in a Master's program for Mental Health Counseling. I have recently finished my required coursework, and am currently taking my electives for specialization. After these classes, I start practicum. In addition, I also work full-time. The combination of work and school has made it hard to devote energy towards my weight loss and fitness, but I have come to the conclusion that taking care of myself is an important part of being able to help my future clients. I look forward to being a part of this team.

Hi Everyone - I am a 23-year-old with my B.S. in Equine Business Management. I am currently pursuing my M.Ed. My expected graduation date is in May so I'm hoping to be at my ultimate goal weight by then. I'm interested to find an active, vibrant support group. Anyone who wants to reach out, you are more than welcome! I love meeting new people.

I'm currently studying for a MS in software engineering from DePaul University. I already have a masters in civil engineering with a structural engineering emphasis from Norwich University. I was a civil engineer, but I dunno...was just never in love with it I suppose so I'm trying to change tracks. My grades are a lot better doing SE anyways lol.

I've always had a little extra weight. When I was in high school I dropped the weight and was actually pretty skinny for a while (I'm 5'6 and was 120 through HS). Then I gained like 60 pounds after HS, and then dropped 35 towards the last half of college. I was pretty fit for a few years, and then when I graduated my weight skyrocketed because I stopped working out. I got up to about 230. I started working out again and got to about 200, then got pregnant and jumped up AGAIN to 250. It's been a terribly stupid struggle and I'm over it! I started working out again 6 weeks ago and dropped 13 pounds and here I am today trying to track my eating/working habits hoping that I can actually keep up with it this time!

I am currently in the accelerated MS to PhD program in clinical psychology through Walden University. I am a stress eater, with nearly 80 some odd pounds left to lose. I am also a single mother of four. Needless to say, I give myself several excuses as to why I cannot conquer the demon inside me. I finally realize that I have to change the mental before the physical, which proves to be my hardest feat yet. Fatness has been my shield for many years. I am finally ready to emerge from my massively large cocoon. Let the metamorphosing begin!! I am so TIRED of being the FAT chick in the group. I want to be healthy and active for my children. They deserve better.

I just completed my first year of graduate school at New Jersey Institute of Technology; at the moment, I'm taking one summer class but luckily it will be online so don't have to step foot on campus because its just about a 40mile commute from my house._.;; Anyways, just wanted to introduce myself...I will be an active member of these forums because I got to lose this weight, plus my major is IT security and administration so that means I'm always on the computer.

I am a first year library school student in a MLIS program through San Jose State University- right now I'm taking intro cataloging and a management class... I know I'm a grad student, because I have been in this group for two whole days and couldn't remember whether or not I had introduced myself! Only so much will fit in my brain these days!!!

I look forward to meeting other grad students who are finding time to take better care of themselves!

Hi all, I am a 57 year old full-time graduate student (Epidemiology/Bioinformatics). I am married and have 2 children at home and 1 in the service. I also work per diem on the weekends in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I have @ 60 lbs to lose. I have started Atkins 2 days ago and I hope I can succeed this time. I need a support from people who know what it's like to be pulled in all directions and have little to no time nor energy for healthy eating and/or exercise. Thanks, L

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Hey everyone, I'm a first year nursing grad student. I'm doing the accelerated BSN-to-PhD track. My research interest is detecting and characterizing behavioral symptoms of dementia... Wait, a second! I'm here to lose the weight I gained when I first started the program. Grad school is proving to be much harder than the undergrad. With the amount of sedentary activity (reading articles, writing papers, doing research) and related stress I realized I HAVE TO find time to eat healthy and exercise. Otherwise I'll go crazy! That's why I'm here :)

Hello all, I am second year PharmD/MBA candidate. After a 25 pound weight gain (since 2009) I am afraid that if I do not take action to live a healthier and more disciplined life I will have more issues than I can handle. I am currently 5' 6" at 174 pounds and my goal is to learn from those of you who so kindly share your experiences on the forum. Thank you :)

Hi Everyone! I'm a grad student in music, finishing a Master's in music theory. I graduated from law school last year and am studying what's known as forensic musicology. A little crazy, but in short it deals with copyright infringement and analysis of music involved in trials. I'm so happy to have found this team! I will probably add a bunch of you as "SparkFriends" - I need all the inspiration I can get! :D It's nice to meet all of you!

Congratulations on starting grad school. Criminal Justice s a good field -- one of my AS degress is in it. But my BS is in psychology. I've had a lot of personal experience with mental illness and I want to be able to help people with similar problems. But I want to do it possibly in prisons.

I love the course I'm taking and the next ones look very intriguing as well. Right now I'm taking "Maladaptive Behavior and Psychopatholgy" and it's great... we watch videos of people with psychological disorders then have to wrte reports on them.

The only problem, and maybe you've come across this, is that I'm finding it hard to keep up. There is so much work due in so little time (the class only runs 7 1/2 wks) that most days I'm stressing about getting everything in on time.

I just started grad school this Fall and have such a hard time finding the time to exercise or eat right. I'm ready to drop the weight I have gained in the past year and be healthy again.

@NIKKIAL22 - I was looking into forensic psychology and ultimately settled on Criminal Justice. I just started this Fall, how do you like it? I'm going to school online too--I go to American Military University.

I'm a new graduate student at 30 years old. I'm going to school online at Argosy University in an attempt to obtain my MA in Forensic Psychology. The work is intense but so far I'm keeping up.

I've been a member here since late July. My weight loss has stalled somewhat as I've had trouble getting motivated and finding time to exercise. I have made the transition to drinking 8 glasses of water/day.

I guess I should've sent that last post as a private message (sorry everyone). Well I'm new to this team and glad I found one that is graduate-student focused. I am a 3rd year PhD student and have been on a healthy lifestyle/weight loss mission since the second week of January (2011). I have lost 73 pounds so far and it feels great. I'm hoping to get tips on how to mix-up what is beginning to feel like a dull workout routine. Cold weather is coming soon and I feel isolated to the gym during the cold weather but I want to break up the monotony a bit. If you have any ideas I'm all ears. I hope to talk to some of you more as I get more comfortable around here!!

I'm new to this team but am going on my 5th year now as a graduate student. I also work 40 hours a week at two part-time jobs so I know what you are referring to with a full plate. Fortunately I know a few tips that might help you get healthy with your hectic schedule...these are all things that I've tried and continue use in my daily (and semesterly) life. Firstly, I do most if not all my cooking for the week on Sundays. Sunday is the only day during the week that I don't do school work...and even though I sometimes break that rule, I always put aside a few hours to cook healthy meals for the week. I am NOT a morning person so cooking breakfast foods (biscuits, pancake mix, quiche) on the weekend, helps cut down my morning routine by 30-45minutes. I am still in the thick of my weight loss journey so I am trying to stick to the gym 6 days a week. This has been terribly hard but on the days that I can't go, I make sure to walk to campus, take the stairs, or park far away from my class buildings and walk the distance. I also have exercise equipment at home that is great for 'off' days (resistance bands, exercise ball, dumbells, ab cruncher). The last and perhaps most important thing I do in my hectic schedule (and it might sound absurd) is occasionally turn down invitations to go out with friends. I have found eating out is my kryptonite for a healthy lifestyle because it is so difficult to trust what is in the food from restaurants etc. If I do go out with friends, I eat beforehand and just order a drink (non-alcoholic) while hanging out. It seems strict and it is, but I'd rather eat the food I've prepared and know what goes into it (and what doesn't) than risk some of the stuff that's out there. I hope this helps you out somewhat...Best of luck!!

Hello! My name is Kelly. I am starting my second year of graduate school for my PhD in Educational Psychology. Between classes, working on campus, working in the lab, plus studying, it is really hard for me to eat balanced meals and fit in regular exercise. I am trying to get in the habit of going to the gym at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes each time, but that seems to be one of the things that gets pushed out of the way when I have lots to do. Sparkpeople is one of the things that helps keep me on track, so I am glad to be a part of this group with other graduate students. :)

My name is Carmen. I am currently in my last semester for my Masters! I am already stressed out but that is not preventing me from wanting to start making my life more healthier. The one thing that I am struggling with at the moment, is finding time to exercise and eating right in the middle of all these papers and projects. I am also working full time (40 hours a week). As you can see, my plate is pretty full. What suggestions do you have for me as for staying with my goals without allowing stress to get the best of me! :)

Looking forward to meeting new friends and wishing you the best of luck this semester! :)

Hi everyone! My name is Emily and I am new to graduate school and to SparkPeople. I just graduated from my undergraduate institution in May and have recently moved to Boston for grad school to start my master's program in social work in September. The last 2 years of college got the better of me and food became my comfort and what I turned to. Now after the move and being in a new place I am ready to find and build a healthy relationship with food and with myself. I struggle with motivation and would love someone/people who I can turn to and who will kee me accountable and motivated! I look forward to getting to know you guys and completing our goals through supporting each other!

Hi everyone! My name is Audrey and I'm a third year School Psych graduate student. In August I will start my internship and will be working on my thesis at the same time. Basically I will have no life but I am still going to pile on a weight loss goal because I'm tired of carrying around the extra weight and I want to be healthier. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Hello. My name is Meredith and I'm returning to seminary to finish my Masters of Divinity after a 2 year hiatus. Only this time, I'm going to have a full-time job and adult responsibilities. I've got a lot on my plate, metaphorically, and I don't want to end up with a lot on my literal plate as a way of coping! Looking for support for healthy habits and academic stress, and delighted to be here.

You don't have to move that mountain Just help me Lord to climb it You don't have to move that stumblin' block Just show me the way around it. ~Nickel Creek

Hey y'all! My name is Maggie and I'm a second year grad student, working on my MA in English. My area of interest is medieval literature, specifically Anglo-Saxon literature. This summer, I'm working for the English department doing research and I just got back from two weeks in Ireland, which were amazing!

This is only my first week with SparkPeople, but I joined because I noticed on my trip that I'm really in worse shape than I thought--we did a lot of hiking, which was hard for me. I've decided that it's time for me to do something about the weight I put on in high school/college through a combination of bad habits/undiagnosed PCOS. I plan to go on and do a PhD in English as well and I know that I need to take care of myself or it will be even harder. So this summer, while I'm less stressed and only doing a little bit of academic work, I want to concentrate on starting good habits so that by the time I get hooded in May, I look hot under that gown!

Hi, I'm Katie. I'll be starting a PhD program at the University of Miami in August... I just joined SparkPeople. This is going to be a fresh start for me in so many ways. I'll move to Miami from Europe, I've never been there before, don't know anybody, and just want to get fit, healthy and lose weight for this new life I'm about to begin.

I am new to the community and excited to say that I'm beginning classes for my PhD July 5th in Education with a concentration on College Student Personnel. I hope to maintain balance in all areas over the next couple years in order to be successful. I am looking forward to using this site to remind myself that personal attention is important; especially when you are very busy.

My name is Austyn and I will be getting my MPA in May of 2012. I go to UGA. I am hoping to lose some weight and start eating healthier and exercising more, in hopes that when I enter the real world, things don't get out of hand.... :-) If anyone has tips on how to deal with night time classes and trying to eat well, please let me know!!

Hi! My name is Rebecca and I'm starting in the fall for my Masters in Information from the University of Michigan. I have been teaching Kindergarten but left my job in June for school. While teaching I have been "yo-yoing" between living a healthy lifestyle (exercising, eating "clean" foods, watching drinks) and doing everything but! Obviously, my weight has also fluctuated. I'm looking to keep myself accountable with a healthy lifestyle since I have found that's what I truly prefer and what keeps me at my happiest!

Hi! I'm Caitlin. I'll have my MBA in December, and the day after I graduate, I'll marry the man of my dreams and put him through his last year of law school. I'm currently a GTA in my university's Accounting and Info Systems department -- anyone want to compare horror stories? LOL I put on a lot of weight this spring due to stress and leaving a physically active job for a desk job. Now my goal is to look great at my wedding (6 months! Eeek!), but more importantly, I just want to feel good about myself and my life. Exercise makes such a difference in my mood and energy and I'm excited about getting back into that habit.

Hello! My name is Sherri and I am a Mental Health Specialist and also getting my MS in Justice Studies with the mentally ill as a special population for research. Graduation is this December, so between work and classes things are nuts! Probably a bad time to be causing myself more stress and more things to do (exercising) but I need the energy!

Ah we're lonely, we're romantic and the cider's laced with acid and the Holy Spirit's crying, "Where's the beef?" And the moon is swimming naked and the summer night is fragrant with a mighty expectation of relief. -Leonard Cohen "Closing Time"

Hello everyone! My name is Veronica and I am currently pursuing an MA in Gender and Diversity Studies and a Master's of Public Administration (concentrating in Economic Development and Planning). I'm new to Spark and this is my first post, but I'm so excited to see this group! It can be really difficult to keep up with health, fitness and all of that while in graduate school. Good luck to everyone!

Hello! I will be beginning my second year of my Master's Program in the Fall. This is the start of my 2nd week here on SP and my first post! I'm really enjoying it and have been very successful thus far (I know its only been a week, but optimism is KEY!). I do have a question, how do I make a cute little progress tracker like everyone else seems to have. Seeing things like that keeps me motivated! Have a great day everyone!

Welcome all of our new members!!! It is great seeing so many people from different programs and locations (we have a member from Ireland!!). I look forward to getting to know everyone better through posts, challenges, and sparkpages. Feel feel to message me with any questions, suggestions, or ideas for the group or your own journeys.

Hi! My name is Beth and I just finished my 2nd year of law school. I am also the team captain for both Law Students SparkTeams, so please join if you are in law school! You can find them by searching or going to my SparkPage!

Hey guys!! nice to meet you all I am living in Ireland and currently (hopefully) about 4 months away from submitting my PhD thesis. I'm working on the neurobiology of Alzheimer's disease and so like you all have a very busy work schedule (except, obviously for the time I spend procrastinating on Spark...). I'm looking forward to keeping motivated with this team

Hi everyone! My name is Jenn and I am in the first year of grad school. I am completing my Masters in Political Science, Public Policy and Administration. I have a hard time balancing my life as I am TA and I work part time and I often find myself telling myself that school comes first before my health. I am hoping that this is the last straw and that I need to take care of myself! It is time to put me first!!

Hello! My name is Brook and I am finishing up my first year as a grad student. I am pursuing a Master's in Languages, Literatures and Linguistics with the goal of getting licensure to teach Spanish. I am also a teaching assistant, as well as having to work outside of school to earn some extra cash for studying abroad. Taking 9+ hours of classes, teaching 6 hours of classes, plus everything else kind of takes up a lot of time but I am trying my best to lose all the weight I gained in my undergrad. Glad to find some people with similar goals/struggles!

Hi Everyone! My name is Alex and I am doing my Masters in Genetic Counseling. I'm in my first semester of a four semester course. Like everyone else I am struggling to fit in exercise and healthy eating with my school and work commitments but I know that I have to start making it a priority and set up some lifelong habits! I am doing the C25K program at the moment and am visiting my Uni gym tomorrow to see if I want to join.

Hi Everyone! I'm new to this forum, but I wanted to get involved with some of the teams to help motivate me and keep me accountable. :) I'm working on a PhD in education so I've been busy with my classes, goals, and family. It's a whirlwind! :) My goals are to really focus on my numbers. The number of calories in and the number of calories I burn off. So my biggest areas are daily calories and fitness. I just ran a 5K (my first) and really enjoyed the challenge of it! So I'm doing the SparkPeople virtual 5K in April. I've been increasing my fitness levels and the warm weather has helped me get out more and enjoy the sunshine! My March goal is to workout 5 days per week and lose 5 pounds before April. So far I've lost 4 so I'm right on track!

Hi, my name is Stacy and I just started Grad school today. I'm extremly overwhelmed with the thought of all of the work that has to be done, and that doesn't include being a mother to an active 15mths old and 5yrs old and possibly starting a job in which I have to commute for about a hr. I really would like to start living a healthy lifestyle and definitely need some motivation and help from others! But I always seem to run out of time. Nonetheless, I know that it can be done and it's all about being focused.

Oops, guess I should've just introduced myself here rather than starting a whole new topic. Hi! I am Nicole and I am a medical student trying to get healthier and keep my stress levels under control :)

Hi! I just started using SparkPeople again and just joined this group. I started an MFA program in creative writing in September, and managed to pack on twenty pounds my first semester. Over break, I started using my school's gym and trying to break my pretty serious ice cream habit, and now I'm finally starting to see results! Nice to meet you!

Hi Team- My name is Amy and I am pursuing my MSN in Nursing from Minnesota State University. I will be a Family Nurse Practitioner when I am done so I really feel a push to maintain my health if I am going to be telling others to do the same! I am also a wife and a mom of 2 elementary-schoolers and work nearly full time. Crazy?...yes! This looks like a very diverse group and I look forward to "sparking" with all of you. Best of luck!!

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